The Reiki Fellowship

1. dis·cern·ment 
   n.  The act or process of exhibiting keen insight and good judgment.

I don't know if I would have listened to my teachers had they told me that this Reiki word would occupy so much of my own path years ago.  Probably not. 

I would have done what I did along the way.  But if they had really emphasized how important and key this one concept is to anyone on the spiritual path, I might have made some different choices. 

That concept being:  a true seeker must cultivate the light of discernment-the internal light to effectively navigate the path that will be before them.

Its often so overwhelming at first, when  a student enters into New Age/spiritual circles.  What is truth?  What is a gimmick?  Who is just out to take your money?  Who is an authentic teacher? Which path can provide the most structure?  Which path can promote the most healing?  So many choices as and directions.

From my own experience, I can say that sticking to one path, instead of going down many different ones has allowed a depth of knowledge and wisdom to emerge

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I have met other students and colleagues who's approach has been a multitude of modalities...but the danger with that can be an extreme breadth of knowledge, but no depth of wisdom.

I discovered for myself that there should be a repetitive practice on the spiritual path.  Whether it is yoga, meditation, martial arts, journaling, etc. Continuity builds a foundation.  The foundation serves as an anchor.  The anchor facilitates the discernment because one becomes rooted in their integrity.

So that when new paths appear, there is a 'ground' on which to return to for contemplation and clarity.

Discernment is using your own body and mind as an instrument of perception and insight. 

Who do you wish to align yourself with?  What will the circle of friends be that supports and surrounds you in your work?  Who is your tribe?  Being in touch with your own insight allows you to make choices that are in line with your true nature.  You aren't making choices for someone else, or an idea of what you should do. 

You cultivate discernment through your spiritual practice.  You also cultivate it through life experience and your own healing process.  You learn what works, and what doesn't.

This is not to say that you are your only island or source of comfort and guidance.  You may have a council around you composed of friends and colleagues.  But your discernment has enabled them to exist around you.

And be prepared for those relationships to shift as you move forward on your path.

I also learned that discernment enables you to call forth the individuals who will support you.  Who encourage you, who allow you to shine in your true talent and gifts.  There is reciprocity, there is equal exchange.  Give and take.  Healthy functioning of the system.

When you work n the healing profession, many people will become attracted to you.  Your vibration has shifted from the 'norm', you are on a path of wellness and transformation.

It is palpable.  People are drawn to healing.

But it is important to exercise limits and boundaries.

This is another key component with discernment.  Those lines need to be drawn and when they are stepped over, when weeds begin to sprout, when pests infest, its time for a revaluation of what isn't working.

There will be people who will want to take up much of your time with their own concerns, needs, desires.

Decide for yourself where your efforts, where your intentions is going to be put.

Its often difficult in spiritual circles, because you acquire the role of practitioner, teacher, You know this is happening when you feel a drain from that relationship. 

For example, years ago, I met a Reiki practitioner named Celia.  She was new in town and wanted to connect with the Reiki community.  I agreed to meet her for tea and during the first meeting realized I would have to put boundaries up around her because she was pulling my own energy into her.

She wanted to connect and have some one help her get her life straightened out.  She was fleeing a relationship gone bad and was looking for retreat.

So I looked up some of the retreat centers I knew and she found one several hours outside of town.  In a few days she was there and she invited me up to come stay.

I took her up on an overnight, and we agreed to do a Reiki trade session with each other.  During the whole time she was giving me Reiki she talked into my crown chakra, about her life, and about what she was going to do in the future.

I felt overwhelmed and unable to ask her to stop her talking.  I had the discernment to finish out the trade (giving her Reiki in silence because I needed it!) and then bowing out and leaving early.

The experience taught me to be more vocal before I receive a session, telling the practitioner what it is I need.  It also heightened my discernment sense a bit on perceiving when clients and students were in a needy place and to support them but not to lend myself totally (as in the case of a trade) while they are in their process.

The important thing to remember is not to harp on yourself when you feel you have been mislead or gone astray. Consider these detours on your path.  You got to observe some scenery you ordinarily would not have had the chance to.

Exercise

A.      Who are you?

The more you know what you are about, the easier discernment becomes.  Another Record yourself saying 'Who are you?' (or have a friend willing to ask it to you) repeatedly in 20-30 second intervals over a 5-10 minute period (30 minutes if you really want to get to the 'juice').  It's a technique we use in advanced Reiki training to get to the heart of who exactly we are beyond our roles, titles, functions.  Who are we and now that we know, what do we need to do?

Spend time journaling and reflecting after this exercise.  Give yourself plenty of time for meditation, reflection and Reiki healing.

If you can have a friend ask you the question, you can then return the favor after your session is over.  It's a very profound experience for both.